New-look Rangers have same old expectations

Rangers slugger Lance Berkman (right) takes part in batting practice Saturday during his first spring training with Texas. The 37-year-old New Braunfels Canyon product joins a veteran group looking to win the AL pennant for the third time in four years.

SURPRISE, Ariz. — As the Texas Rangers gathered in the locker room of their spring-training complex early Saturday morning, awaiting manager Ron Washington's annual kickoff address to the team, it seemed normal enough.

Country music blared out of loudspeakers, animated card games cropped up on a nearby table and players, staff and media engaged in a cacophony of chatter.

But there was one major difference.

“To be honest, you don't just show up to spring training and feel normal that Michael Young is not here in the clubhouse,” outfielder David Murphy said. “He's been here for 12 years or whatever. But we're guys who are used to change.”

Texas, toppled in the wild-card round in October, certainly has plenty of it to deal with today. The club, also without former American League MVP Josh Hamilton and power-hitting catcher Mike Napoli, opened full-squad workouts Saturday near Phoenix.

The loss of Young, a seven-time All-Star and former league batting champion, loomed as the most telling. The team's longtime captain, considered a clubhouse stalwart, was dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies in the offseason.

“You're obviously losing a guy like Michael Young who does have a very good clubhouse presence and certainly is a professional guy on and off the field,” said outfielder Lance Berkman, the Rangers' most notable offseason acquisition when he signed a one-year, $10 million free-agent deal.

The 37-year-old Berkman, a New Braunfels Canyon High product, joined catcher A.J. Pierzynski, 36, among a scattering of new faces at Surprise Recreation Campus.

Washington, in gathering players together before sending them out for separate position workouts, stuck to a succinct message.

“It was just about us being together, caring about each other, playing for one another and staying healthy,” he said after the brief meeting, which included addresses by Berkman, Pierzynski and hitting coach Dave Magadan. “The messages in years past were messages I felt I needed to send, just as the one today about us making sure we take care of each other. I didn't think it was any different.”

Texas, which captured the American League pennant two of the past three seasons, won't be aiming any lower this year, Murphy stressed.

“We're adaptable guys, and we're going to get used to it,” he said. “I don't know how long it's going to take, but I don't think it's going to take that long.”

Berkman said leadership, even with the loss of Young, won't be an issue.

“I think that may be doing a little disservice to some of the guys who are already in here,” he said. “Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler, David Murphy, Colby Lewis — guys like that have won and been here through the two best years this franchise has ever had. They're back and it'll be fine.”